Did you ever waste time worrying about something that never ends up happening? The day of Zahia and Paco’s wedding the weather did not start out in a very promising way…as I drove to the beautiful Casa Faller mansion in Merida where I was to do a portrait session before the wedding ceremony it was dark and dreary, I was sure it was going to rain at any moment. I also knew that the location would be fully set up for the reception and that finding place to photograph could be difficult. Finally I was worried that the bride might not be ready in time for a complete photo session since the mass was very early by local standards and I thought if it was raining she might not even want to risk going out in the bad weather before the ceremony! When I reached the venue to my surprise things immediately fell into place. The weather cleared up just as Zahia (who looked amazing in a gorgeous Vera Wang gown) arrived. A few minutes later Paco drove up in the cutest vintage Mercedes Benz. Gracias Paco y Zahia, ¡me encantó hacer las fotografías de tan linda pareja!

The two of them seemed so relaxed and happy on their big day, it was so much fun to photograph them! The grounds of the Casa Faller looked amazing (the wedding was coordinated by Baku Events) but were indeed completely taken over by caterer Rigel Gonzalez’ very large crew, but the lovely house itself was a perfect setting for the portrait session and the family portraits that followed. Perfect!

There was time to photograph some of the details, I love those photogrpahs to include in the album,. I thought Zahia’s shoes were especially pretty.

The couple with their immediate families.

I would love to include a photograph of each of the children that participated, but this being Merida there were almost 20, I loved seeing so many familiar faces from past photo sessions and all as cute as could be!

Elizabeth Medina is a wedding photographer based in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. She photographs destination weddings throughout Mexico and is a member of WPJA, Wedding Photojournalist Association.

Ryan and Lauren were married in a beautiful, intimate beach ceremony at the El Dorado Royal, a Karisma Resort in the Maya Rivera. It was a beautiful day in every respect. Although I had photographed a few times at the EDR previously, I had not photographed a ceremony at the Presidential Gazebo location. I just loved the spot, it was totally private, surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees and overlooking the bluest sky and water. It was such a serene and natural setting which was perfect for the very emotional moments between bride, groom and the family and friends that witnessed the event.

Lauren wore flip flops since her cermony was on the sand…but for dancing at the reception she switched to these great party shoes!

The flowers were really different than the tropical blooms we usually see in Mexico.

Lauren was a bride that I think would have looked good in just about any dress…but the one she chose was PERFECT on her!

The bridesmaids on their way to the ceremony in a golf cart…

I couldn´t decide which of thes two detail shots to include…I loved them both!

How amazing and peaceful to have a wedding in such a natural setting.

The hand off from Lauren´s dad to Ryan, both totally choked up.

The El Dorado Royal Presidential Gazebo.

Mother of the bride…

The reception was held in Tucanes Bar, this is a very open outdoor location.

Rather than relying on setting up off camera artificial flash units which I feel can alter the mood a bit, I LOVE to use the true ambient light in my photography whenever possible, Although it is a challenge to make it work I find it often leads to beautiful and evocative images. Often future brides ask me about reception lighting and I always tell them that candle light, under-lit tables and tiki torches are beautiful accents but when used alone actually provide very little light…However, since art is full of contradictions this photograph of Ryan and Lauren’s first dance is lit completely by tiki torches and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

The tearful father daughter dance…

I think this may not be the first time that this amigo has showed up on my blog! I can’t believe he can carry a whole round of drinks on his head!

Lauren’s bridesmaids decorated the get away golf cart!

Specializing in wedding photojournalism, Elizabeth Medina photographs weddings in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Tulum, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico. The El Dorado Royale is a karisma Resort located in Puerto Morelos Mexico.

This wedding had so many fun elements! What a joy it is to tell the story of a day like this! A traditional Mexican Catholic mass, a mariachi serenaded stroll down the streets of Playa del Carmen, a dinner dance reception in the garden of the Royal Resort (one of my favorite locations), a romantic bride and groom photo session on the beach and of course a bride and groom who were obviously crazy about each other and happy to be celebrating in Mexico with a close group of family and friends! ¡Fue un dia inolvidable! Thank you so much Rocio and Eliazar, I loved photographing your happiness and love on your wedding day in Playa del Carmen!

A getting ready shot…when I see the bridesmaids pitching in to get the bride ready I always remember the saying “it takes a village”.

Details….

Is this little guy cute or what?

The Catholic church in Playa del Carmen where the wedding ceremony was held.

I always have an eye out for both the “big picture” and the small elements that quietly illustrate the day’s story.

Los novios, joined by the lazo en the Mexican tradition.

Los mariachis started playing when the bride and groom made their exit from the the church.

Everyone walked from the church to the reception at the Royal, a beach front resort. I think that is so much fun!

Arriving at the Royal…

The mariachis must have been a bit tired after that walk…but they never missed a beat! I wish I could remember what song they were playing here…I think it may have been “Somos novios”

Bride and groom pictures…what a great couple!

I confess, as much as I LOVE wedding photojournalism I am very proud of my skills as a portrait artist, and envisioning and creating expressive images like the next one makes me very happy.

First dance in the garden area of the Royal Resort.

I don’t know if this groom toss looks like fun to me or jsut plain scary…but Eliazar actually seemed to be enjoying it!

Great way to end a reception on a hot, hot, hot day!

Elizabeth Medina is a wedding photojournalist located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. She specializes in destination weddings and photographs weddings in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.

Wedding planning can be so complicated, especially at a distance. Jennifer wrote me an email before the wedding that said basically that the only thing she was sure of was that it was going to be a beautiful day. And it truly was! And so much fun as I think you should be able tell from the photographs! Lindsey and I had said just the night before that we thought it would be nice to photograph a bride with a cute short haircut…how astonishing to arrive at Azul Beach the next day and meet a gorgeous bride who fit that description perfectly! Jen and Fred make such a great pair, and were so nice to work with, it was a pleasure to photograph the moments that made up their high spirited, once in a lifetime Mexico wedding! Come to think of it, I think we also hoped for sunshine….and there was definitely plenty of that! Not to mention unforgettable tropical color! Thank you Jen and Fred!

The very colorful ceremony location. The ocean and sky could not have been more beautiful than on this summer day.

A light moment during the vows, Jen’s maid of honor was a big help when the wind picked up!

Once one bridesmaid teared up it was over for all of them!

Ok, this is a bit random….I would love to know what was said!

The decisive moment, bridal party edition…Lindsey (first shot) and I (the following shot) clicked the shutter at just the same time!

A few details from the cocktail hour and wedding reception.

Working on the playlist…

There were many emotional special dances, here is the mother-daughter dance.

This has never happened to me before…I was photographing a quick party picture of Fred hugging his mom and aunt…I was not expecting this to happen!

Elizabeth Medina, is a destination wedding photographer, based in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and photographing weddings in the Maya Riviera, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Tulum areas as well as Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico. Azul Beach is a Karisma Resort located in the Riviera Maya.

This was such an amazing couple to photograph! I so often hear the comment that I get to photograph in all the most beautiful locations. Whenever I hear that I can’t thinking #1 Yes, that is true! And I certainly hope my eye does justice to it all! and #2 (since I am a wedding photojournalist and not a landscape photographer) It is my privilege to photograph the most wonderful PEOPLE on one of the happiest days of their lives, in a lovely setting….now there is something worth documenting!

I am sure that Galit and Steve would have had a wonderful wedding anywhere, their happiness and admiration for one another set the tone for a very special day of celebration with family and friends. That they were able to travel to the Maya Riviera for a Mexico wedding just made it all the more special.

Thank you Galit and Steve it was such a joy for us to spend time with the two of you! Congratulations to you both!

Its great for the photography when the couple decides to be photographed together before the ceremony. Galit met Steve in a location we had scouted earlier. He had plenty of time standing in the hot sun to think about things….I loved his expression when she walked down the path and he turned around for the “first look” at his bride.

There were 9 bridesmaids and 9 groomsmen! Here are the girls…

I am happy to have captured this photograph, there is nothing like the moment when the beautiful  bride makes her entrance.

The chuppah was very unique and beautiful.

The ceremony was set up in the round with guests on sides of the chuppah. I love the tradition of the bride and groom entering with their parents and standing with their immediate families through out the wedding.

Another look at the ceremony site…

A few quite moments between the bride and groom after the ceremony, the photographs from that private time were some of my favorites if the day.

Reception details…

First dance…

I love the dancing of the Horah!

The toasts…

We had planned a “trash the dress session” the next morning, we started at 6 am to catch the sunrise. I think it was worth it!

The resort has a little pyramid which seems to be defended by millions of tiny bugs… my hat is off to the bride for not totally freaking out when her dress was filled with them.

Time to cool off! The best part of a trash the dress session!

Elizabeth Medina is a wedding photographer located in Yucatan, Mexico, photographing weddings in the Maya Riviera and throughout Mexico. her specialty is wedding photojournalism and she is a member of the Wedding Photojournalism Association, WPJA.

I met Jen and Royce a full year ago when they came to the Riviera Maya to plan the wedding and scout locations. Hearing Jen and Royce talk about their plans I could tell they had a clear vision of the wedding day, planning a chic beach ceremony incorporating elements of the local Mayan culture to be celebrated with family and friends. Once I made it past the interview process (just kidding, Royce!), I felt like a valued member of the Royce-Jen team and was thrilled to see how vision became a reality on the day of the wedding.

The wedding was held at the very pampering and upscale Eurostars Blue Resort which I am predicting will be one of THE locations for next year’s destination weddings.

Wow! She looked amazing.

I love it when people point out little details that they notice, Jen’s maid of honor showed me that Jen’s face was being reflected in a small mirror on the wall, this image is a photograph of the reflection.

Jen included her grandmother’s pearls in her bouquet.

Jen and Royce had a chance to meet privately before the ceremony.

This was probably the most emotional wedding I have ever photographed. Destination weddings are probably a little more emotional than most, because they tend to be more intimate. It is common to see a bride or shed a few tears, or maybe a bridesmaid or family member. At this wedding just about everyone cried including the guests in the very last row (not to mention the photographers)! How could anyone not be touched when the groom went forward to play the guitar and sing to his bride….especially since he had learned to play the guitar in secret as a surprise for Jen! The bride and groom aslo gave a white Callah lily and hug to each family member, that was a gesture I have not seen at a ceremony and was another overwhelmingly emotional moment. I won’t go into the handwritten vows or the letter…or I will flood my keyboard right now! What a reminder of what it really is all about!

The Eursotars Blue is a little different from other resorts in the area in that it does not have a true sandy beach. I thought the pool area and this rocky overlook were just fantastic.

As a very special and unique gift Royce hand made magnets with the symbol of each guest’s birth year from the Mayan calendar.

Jen and Royce’s first dance as husband and wife, the open air dance floor was spectacular and a lounge area was set up right next to it.

The father daughter dance…

Mexico wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina specializes in wedding photojournalism. She photogrpahs weddings in tulum, the Maya Riviera, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Merida, yucatan and throughout Mexico, includieng Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and San Miguel de Allende Mexico.